ARGUABLY the number one free agent in Supercars’ co-driver market has been snapped up, with Jayden Ojeda agreeing to terms with Matt Stone Racing.
An Ojeda/MSR reunion had long been on the cards, although V8 Sleuth understands the New South Welshman only recently put pen to paper.
It has been quite the year already for Ojeda, who has increasingly become hot property.
He backed up a stunning Bathurst 6 Hour win (with Simon Hodges) on the Easter long weekend by clinching a maiden GT World Challenge Australia victory alongside Ross Poulakis last weekend at Phillip Island.
Now, a fourth attempt at the Bathurst 1000 has been locked in, plus a maiden Sandown 500 start, both of which will come alongside in-form Jack Le Brocq in the #34 Truck Assist Camaro.
“I’m stoked to be joining Matt Stone Racing for what will be my third year co-driving with the team,” said Ojeda.
“The team and I have made a strong connection over the past few years so I am looking forward to building on that this year.
“Awesome to be partnering up with Jack Le Brocq – both him and the team have started the year really strong with what looks to be fast cars.
“It will be great to work with Jack Bellotti again as our race engineer who was my race engineer for our Bathurst 6 Hour car.
“I’m confident that throughout the year the team will continue this momentum and come enduro season JLB and I will make a strong combination.”
While yet to confirm the identity of who’ll share Car #35 with Cameron Hill, team owner Matt Stone hailed the Le Brocq/Ojeda pairing.
“Jayden knows the team well and fits in seamlessly, which provides a lot of continuity,” said Stone.
“We have invested a lot of time in him over these years as an MSR driver and look forward to pairing him up with Jack Le Brocq for the enduro season in 2023.
“They are both driving very well and will be a strong combination at Sandown and Bathurst.”
Added Le Brocq: “I’m really excited to have Jayden back in the MSR fold for 2023.
“He did a ripper job throughout 2022, so I believe we will be a very strong combo come enduro time.
“Jayden will be getting plenty of miles throughout the year in GT3 cars so he’ll be a really strong asset for the MSR team.”
One co-drive remains vacant at each of MSR, PremiAir Racing and the Blanchard Racing Team, while Brad Jones Racing is yet to publicly fill any of its four enduro seats.
It is however believed BJR is most likely to retain at least three if not all four of its 2022 co-drivers.